Business & Tech

Hidden Gems Of Hartford And Tolland Counties

Our latest Hidden Gem is on a main road, yet difficult to spot.

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R Dee Winery on Route 190 in Enfield.
R Dee Winery on Route 190 in Enfield. (Tim Jensen/Patch)

ENFIELD, CT — It's hard to imagine a business located on the busiest street in Enfield could be considered a Hidden Gem, but the fact the entryway is on the opposite side of the building from the street makes R Dee Winery exactly that. It is hidden, and it is truly a gem.

Michele McAuliffe and her husband Mark opened the winery nearly three years ago at 504 Hazard Avenue, adjacent to the Powder Hollow Brewery owned by her brother, Michael McManus. She named the business after her grandfather, Richard Dee Allbright.

The McAuliffes and their family designed the place with a vision of tradition and romance. They stained the ceiling, put in the floors, built the bar and included many little touches throughout the tasting room to make it all come together. The winery is a relaxing place where one can feel at home with a glass of wine, family and friends and good conversation and company.

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The owners work with small family-owned and operated farms and vineyards to import grapes directly from the regions that grow them best, including multiple vineyards in the Finger Lakes region of New York, California and South Africa. There are currently five whites, four reds and four homemade sangrias, offered by the glass or bottle.

Open Air Markets began on the grounds last month, and take place twice a month during the summer and fall. About 20 vendors attend each market, including various crafters, handmade products like soaps, bath bombs, and hair products, eggs from local farms, summer veggies and honey, a bakery, cupcakes, cigars from Connecticut Valley Tobacconist of Enfield and Roaring Acres Alpacas. A sip and shop experience is available where people can grab a wine, sangria, wine slushie or beer and sip outside while they shop, or visitors can relax, eat and drink on a new patio. A food truck is always on hand during those events. Upcoming dates are July 31, Aug. 14, Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Sept. 25, Oct. 9, Oct. 16 and Oct. 30. An open air market will also take place Nov. 27 on Small Business Saturday.

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More information is available at rdeewinery.com.

Photos: Tim Jensen/Patch

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Hartford and Tolland counties. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.

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